capellini
UK[ˌkapəˈliːni]US[ˌkɑpəˈlini]
n
a type of pasta in the form of very thin strands, similar to but slightly thicker than angel hair.
Etymology
the word 'capellini' is borrowed directly from italian, where it is the plural form meaning 'fine hairs'. it derives from the italian word 'capello', meaning 'a hair', which itself originates from the latin 'capillus', also meaning 'hair' or 'a single hair'. the diminutive suffix '-ini' gives the term its sense of 'little, thin hairs', providing a vivid and literal description of the pasta's slender, thread-like appearance. entering english as a culinary term, it retains its original italian form and its evocative, descriptive meaning.
Analysis
this word is an italian loanword adopted directly into english. it is a simplex form where the italian diminutive suffix '-ini' is fused to the base 'capello', but the modern english spelling 'capellini' is treated as a single, unsegmentable lexical unit.
Examples
for a light sauce, capellini is often preferred over thicker pasta.
the capellini cooked perfectly in just three minutes.
the recipe calls for capellini with fresh seafood and a white wine sauce.